Can't update to Windows 8.1

kami

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Hi all--hoping someone can help---

I have a fairly new PC running Windows 8 and I can't seem to upgrade to Windows 8.1--There are a bunch of issues-

1. Can't connect to the Windows Store--tried everything here save the refresh, which I do NOT want to do.
2. Downloaded the 8.1 ISO and burned it to a disc--get the error message that 8.1 could not be installed--0x101-0x20017 error--tried installing with a clean boot, turned off antivirus suite, etc
3.sfc /scannow does not work.

So currently I'd like to forget about the store for the moment and continue updating from the downloaded ISO, but don't know what else to do to solve the issue--I really do not wish to restore the computer and I have a lot of software I'd need to reinstall and this would take a long time

Thanks,
-Yvette
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40 GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1080
Hi kami,

When attempting to do a clean install from the downloaded Win 8.1 ISO, it basically boils down to this:

Do the initial install with a special key for the downloaded 8.1 ISO. Read more here and see post 16 for a key that might work:
http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso-2.html

After the installation is completed, you must "activate it" by using your legitimate Windows 8 key like so:

Screenshot (5).png

However, since you are not clear about your current version of Windows, how you obtained it, and your expectations going forward, I cannot say for sure that all of the above applies to your current situation; however, I can only tell you that the above worked for me when doing a clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro and I used my Windows 8 Pro key to complete the activation.

Good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Hi all--hoping someone can help---

I have a fairly new PC running Windows 8 and I can't seem to upgrade to Windows 8.1--There are a bunch of issues-

1. Can't connect to the Windows Store--tried everything here save the refresh, which I do NOT want to do.
2. Downloaded the 8.1 ISO and burned it to a disc--get the error message that 8.1 could not be installed--0x101-0x20017 error--tried installing with a clean boot, turned off antivirus suite, etc
3.sfc /scannow does not work.

So currently I'd like to forget about the store for the moment and continue updating from the downloaded ISO, but don't know what else to do to solve the issue--I really do not wish to restore the computer and I have a lot of software I'd need to reinstall and this would take a long time

Thanks,
-Yvette

Having a fairly new PC, did you get all the updates from "Windows updates". Not having an updated PC can hinder the 8.1 upgrade process.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-4790
    Motherboard
    GA-Z87X-D3H
    Memory
    G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire ATI Radeon R7 250
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC892
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung UN32EH5000, Dell 1703FPT
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    WD5003AZEX
    WD10EZEX
    Samsung HD103SJ
    Samsung 128 GB 840 PRO
    PSU
    SeaSonic M12II SS-500GM
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R4
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900ALED
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Internet Speed
    16 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast
    Other Info
    Bose Companion 2 Multimedia Speakers
Here are two additional resources for your review:

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/32995-windows-8-1-upgrade-windows-8-8-1-preview.html

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-upgrade-iso-download-create.html

Note: Since you only have a Windows 8 product key (presumed) and you downloaded the Windows 8.1 ISO, I thought you were trying for a clean install:

Downloaded the 8.1 ISO and burned it to a disc

And that is why I responded as such previously; however, if you are still intent on upgrading via an ISO, you'll need the Windows 8 ISO instead because a Windows 8 product key will not activate Windows 8.1 directly using the Win 8.1 ISO.

Good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Thanks my2cents and MR Sardonicus--I have Windows 8 Pro and I believe I purchased it online and installed it last Oct..This update in available, but doesn't seem to install-Update for Windows 8 for x64-based Systems (KB2802618)-Download size: 25 KB--no idea why--just goes through the motions...
my2cents--the reason I am intent on installing from disc is because I can't connect to the Windows Store--I found this link--bluej has posted instructions in the comments sections on how to use a temp key.
Code:
[COLOR=#42474A][FONT=Helvetica Neue]When you use the Windows 8.1 ISO created by the Setup process above, you will need to enter a generic placeholder Windows 8.1 product key to get it to install (as explained in a [/FONT][/COLOR][URL="http://superuser.com/"]superuser.com[/URL][COLOR=#42474A][FONT=Helvetica Neue] thread). Use 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT for normal, or XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB for Professional (these keys only work to install and cannot be activated). Once Windows is installed, you will need to change the key to your key. To do that, Right-Click the Start button and start the Command Prompt (Admin).[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#42474A][FONT=Helvetica Neue]Type the following commands:[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#42474A][FONT=Helvetica Neue]slmgr /ipk YOUR-KEY-WITH-DASHES-HERE[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#42474A][FONT=Helvetica Neue]slmgr /rearm[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#42474A][FONT=Helvetica Neue]reboot you computer and it should be activated.[/FONT][/COLOR]
And this does seem to allow the installation process to begin--However, once the computer finishes installing and reboots I get the error that Windows 8.1 could not be installed and my configuration was restored along with that error code

Do you know what that error code means?

Thanks,
--Yvette
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40 GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1080
So it did go through the entire install and you made it into Windows 8.1 with the generic key? Or did it just reboot on its own without allowing you to navigate around a bit? Can you please describe your process in a bit more detail because it sounds like you are almost there!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Just for reference, the confusing part about you description seems to be that you claim to have completed the installation but you are somehow being reminded that you need a "generic placeholder key" which should have been required to even start the installation process. So, I'm thinking there is more to this story than meets the eye. What else are you doing? It almost seems like you have also found that work-around to bypass the Win 8.1 generic product key requirement (initially) and it is somehow giving you that notice after the fact. Anyway, I'm about to hit the sack. Good luck.

Update:

OK, so I went back and read bluej's post thoroughly and, if you use his method, you should be able to activate the installation by inserting your windows 8 pro product key into the message. However, alternatively, you should just be able to go to Control Panel> System, and in the lower right hand corner, click the activate windows link and it should do the same thing by inserting your win 8 pro key into the prompt. BTW, I actually thought that your previous message was an installation warning. I did not realize that you just copied his post.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Thanks my2cents--it goes through the install process,1% complete to 100% complete, and then reboots--upon reboot my computer informs me that the installation has failed and that my system was reverted back to its previous configuration, that is, Windows 8(or something to that effect)--so, I never actually get to a place where Windows 8.1 is installed and have no opportunity to activate the key according to bluej's instructions--
I'm assuming I need that placeholder key because I'm am trying to install from the ISO, not being able to access the Windows Store--I don't know why my Windows 8 activation key doesn't work--seems a bit nonsensical to me, that one would need a separate activation key for Windows 8.1, being it is supposed to be a free update for Windows 8 owners...

Thanks,
---Yvette
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40 GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1080
Hi theog--I can't install it much less activate it--I was assuming that the link I posted with bluej's comments addressed that issue--it is unclear what key he is talking about, so I guess I made the wrong assumption-

If that is the case, how do I get an activation key being I can't access the Windows Store?

Thanks,
--Yvette
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40 GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1080
Hi theog--yes, I looked at your link, but am unclear as to what I am supposed to be looking at---I don't think I am having an issue with the activation..it seems to be the installation...please correct me if I'm wrong...

Thanks,
--Yvette
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40 GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1080
As far as I can make out from your posts, you use the generic key to begin the installation. It appears to complete, then informs you it has failed. That has nothing at all to do with the keys or activation.

Some kind of incompatibility, hard to say what that could be from your description.

There is probably a file called setuperr.log somewhere on your drive. Probably in $windows.~bt\Sources\Rollback
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Yes SIW2 that is the issue and yes there is that file and this is what it contains:
2013-10-22 22:58:11, Error SP CSetupPlatformOSSwitchCheckpoint::Rollback: Failed to read the rollback GUID from file: C:\$WINDOWS.~BT\Sources\Rollback\rollbackinfo.ini. Error: 0x00000002[gle=0x00000002]

Curious now though--if I am able to get it installed somehow will I be able to activate it with my Windows 8 key?

Thanks,
---Yvette
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40 GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1080
If you can get it to install, your 8.0 key should be fine to activate.

The error log is not much help, though. Anything unusual on your machine - encryption, perhaps?

If you post a screen shot of disk management window that might throw some light on it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
It could also be a migration error. See if there is a migration folder with log files.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Yeah there are a lot of unusual things--such as not being able to access the Windows Store--the pending updates pretending to install, but not--the sfc /scannow not working...error mssg: Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service--service is set to manual..the Turn Windows features on or off displaying nothing...anyhow, here is the screen shot---diskmanagement.png


Yes, there is a Migration folder in that same dir(also other dirs)but no log files in that one...just .inf

Thanks again..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40 GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1080
As you have three Primary Partitions on the HDD with C:, the update can not make the new Windows 8.1 update partition.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Hi theog--did you mean can or can't make the update? If can't, how would I go about fixing that? if indeed you meant can--then how do I get it to do that?

Thanks again...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40 GHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5670
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 and 1920x1080
Interesting arrangement. Did you clone one of those drives a while ago? Any reason the pagefile is on D?

I would try this:

Open an elevated (admin ) command and type:

bcdboot c:\windows /s c:

diskpart

sel vol c

act

sel vol d

inact

exi

Shutdown, unplug the 3 expansion drives and disk2.

Then see if it works.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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